Public to suggest crime punishment (From Free Press Series)

Public to suggest crime punishment

12:23am Monday 30th November 2009

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The public are being given the chance to vote on community service schemes for young offenders.

A Government website allows users to suggest punishments for criminals aged 10 to 17.

Voters can choose from tasks including cleaning graffiti, repairing vandalism and charity work.

The 'Making Good' scheme is being launched in North West England, and could go nationwide from early next year.

Justice Secretary, Jack Straw said: "Youth Crime, no matter how small, can wreck the lives of both victims and the young people involved."

"Making Good' will empower members of the public by giving them a say in how young offenders in their communities should make amends."

Suggestions can be made at www.yjb.gov.uk/makinggood. Youth reoffending teams taking part are in Blackburn, Blackpool, Bury, Halton and Warrington, Knowsley, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, St Helens, Salford, Sefton, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Wirral.

Frances Done, chairman of the Youth Justice Board said: "For the first time local people are being asked for specific ideas for community reparation which will benefit both their local area and the young person carrying out the work.

"Reparation work is vital in helping the young person understand the consequences of his or her actions while repairing the harm caused by their offence."

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